Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883C Reviews from Australia

2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883C

Summary:

General Comments:

I find it comfortable (I'm 6'1"), but have yet to ride it for longer than an hour.

Fuel economy is OK, but range (with the 17l tank) insufficient for where I live - up to 300km between fuel stops.

Acceleration is grand, but it does seem to bump into the rev-limiter just as it's getting into its stride. I usually manage to hit the cut-out in both first and second gears.

H-D say the suspension was upgraded and retuned from the 2009 model C onwards - well, I hate to think what the earlier models were like, for the kidneys really suffer over any sort of bump. But, is it worth spending serious money on upgrading the suspension, or this a limitation of the design?

Nothing has fallen off yet, but I've lost mobile phone and house keys out of my pants pockets - must be the different leg angle with the forward controls.

It has cost quite a bit to set in up with luggage for a trip (including sissy bar), and somewhere (secure) for the tools would be nice.

2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883C

Summary:

Faults:

Bottomed out on a speed bump and ripped the oil drain plug off the end of the hose. My fault.

Easily fixed, just a new plastic plug that mounted to underside of chassis (in between the frame rails actually).

Wore out rear brake pads and apparently twisted the caliper! Had a shop rebuild the caliper and rear brake master cylinder. Found out the shop did a dodgy job. Used wrong brake fluid to the point of the master cylinder rusting, corroding and otherwise seizing.

Hence no longer using that shop and doing most of the work myself on the bike.

General Comments:

No backfiring ever, but is lazy off the bottom, but that's just an 883. Can easily be fixed with a few simple mods. Breathing is the key.

For new DIY guys (and girls), Number one rule is to always maintain the bike on a regular basis.

Make sure it is tuned right (especially if you do mods to it). Don't skimp on parts. Oils ain't oils, etc, etc...

Also make sure you get a manual and take your time. Check and double check what you're doing and be realistic about your ability. If you're not sure how to set the valves, don't try to rebuild the engine.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. For every question you'll get 3 different answers most of the time. Learn who the guys in the know are, and listen and learn.

I run on open air element K&N air filter, 1 3/4" drag pipes with 6" baffles and torque cones and never any issues.

Girls bike? Let them ask that question again when you leave a softail eating your dust. Hahaha...